Screening and detection is key to early diagnosis

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam (CBE) is a physical exam done by a health care provider. It’s often done during your regular medical check-up. Not all providers have this training. If a CBE is not offered at your check-up and you would like one, ask your provider if he or she can perform one (or refer you to someone who can).

Mammography

Mammography uses X-rays to create images of the breast. These images are called mammograms. A radiologist trained to read mammograms studies the images for signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening tools are used to find breast cancer in a person who doesn’t have any warning signs or symptoms. Overall, mammography is the most effective screening tool used to find breast cancer in most women. It can find cancers at an early stage, when they are small and the chances of survival are highest. Although mammography is the most effective screening tool used today to find breast cancer in most women, it’s not perfect. Most major health organizations have concluded that mammography saves lives.

Three-dimensional (3D) mammography (breast tomosynthesis)

Special imaging machines can take multiple two-dimensional (2D) digital images of the breast. Computer software combines the 2D X-ray images into a three-dimensional (3D) image (called breast tomosynthesis). A 3D mammogram takes a few seconds longer than a 2D mammogram because more images are taken, but you won’t likely notice a difference (if you’ve had a mammogram in the past). Depending on the method, 3D mammography gives the same or slightly higher radiation dose than standard 2D mammography. This higher dose is still within FDA guidelines. Some studies have shown 3D mammography may find a few more breast cancers than 2D mammography. Whether 3D mammography is better than standard 2D mammography for breast cancer screening is still under study. Some centers in Northwest Arkansas offer 3D mammography. Although most insurance plans cover the cost, it’s best to check with your insurance provider and the imaging center before getting a 3D mammogram.

Low-cost or free mammograms

Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover the cost of mammograms. Since September 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required all new health insurance plans to cover yearly mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs for women ages 40 and older. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover mammograms, the Komen Ozark Affiliate can help you find a low-cost or free mammogram (or help with the cost). Komen Affiliates fund breast cancer education and screening projects in their communities for those who need it most. Call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) to find low-cost options in your area.

Breast MRI

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields to create an image of the breast. Breast MRI is more invasive than mammography because a contrast agent is given through an IV before the procedure. At this time, breast MRI is mostly used in breast cancer diagnosis and staging. It’s also used in breast cancer screening for women at higher risk. Insurance coverage of breast MRI varies. You may wish to talk with your insurance provider before getting breast MRI screening to see if it’s covered.